Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•Essex, VT

12d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Lead Teacher to guide a suite of classrooms and help create a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment. The Lead Teacher designs and implements high-quality curriculum, supports and models effective teaching practices, and helps children develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The role offers an opportunity for an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The educational approach, Sustainable Education®, connects research with daily practice to support children’s learning and long-term well-being. The organization is guided by its HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Lead Teacher supports classroom quality and school operations, including staff coaching and training, and may represent management in the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director. The role involves supervising children, partnering with families, collaborating with colleagues, and maintaining required certifications and training. The position requires a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

Be at least 20 years of age.
Be a high school graduate or have completed a GED.
Meet at least one of the following qualifications: hold a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; hold a bachelor’s degree in a specified relevant field and have at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 college credits focused on early childhood or school age and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; or hold a current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license endorsed in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Meet the role’s physical requirements, including prolonged standing and walking, changing positions, lifting and moving items up to 30 pounds, participating in child-level activities, supervising children in indoor and outdoor areas, and responding safely in emergencies.

Responsibilities

Design and implement daily lesson plans and developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with sustainable education principles.
Create and model a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship.
Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment, including classroom systems, routines, and safety practices.
Assist with supervision and direction of school staff, including contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Represent management and support leadership of the overall school program when the School Director and Assistant Director are absent.
Model best practices for the teaching team and support high-quality instructional delivery.
Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration.
Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment as a Mandated Reporter in accordance with state law.
Support children’s developmental needs by observing and documenting their progress and using that information to guide instruction and holistic growth.
Build strong, trusting partnerships with families through consistent, professional communication.
Lead or participate in family conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues on classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Contribute to continuous reflection, training, coaching, and collaboration to support educator growth and classroom quality.

Benefits

Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
Free First Stop Health membership with 24/7 access to virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
401(k) retirement plan with an annual discretionary employer match contribution.
Optional life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Performance-based pay, including increases tied to certification and/or degree completion.
Career growth and professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and the CHILD Conference.
Paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance.
Additional lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.